From Fox News · Lauryn Overhultz · · 1m 10s
Mackenzie Phillips reveals father's abuse claims
Mackenzie Phillips shares letter confirming her father's alleged abuse from childhood
In brief
Mackenzie Phillips shares letter confirming her father's alleged abuse from childhood Mackenzie Phillips received a letter from a family friend corroborating her claims of childhood abuse by her late father John Phillips Originally reported by Fox News.
New abuse claims
Mackenzie Phillips revealed a letter from a family friend corroborating her allegations of childhood abuse by her late father John Phillips
“I woke up that night from a blackout to find myself having sex with my own father”
Letter shock
Phillips described receiving the letter while working at Breathe Life Healing Center, feeling shocked by its content
“It was like shocking, shocking, the content”
Oprah aftermath
Phillips first detailed the alleged abuse in her 2009 memoir, claiming a consensual relationship with her father that lasted 10 years
“I don't remember how it started or, thankfully, how it ended”
Family reaction
Mackenzie's half-sister Chynna publicly supported her, while John Phillips had four marriages and five children
“I was afraid. I didn't know what to do”
Consent redefined
Phillips now states there is no such thing as consent between a parent and child due to power imbalance
“The power differential is too great”
Father's legacy
John Phillips was a musician known for creating the California folk-rock sound with The Mamas & The Papas
“California Dreamin' was one of his signature songs”
Abuse recontextualized
Phillips now views the relationship through the lens of abuse rather than consensual, after receiving the letter
“I learned from my appearance on Oprah and my book that there is no such thing as consent”
Here's the gist
Mackenzie Phillips received a letter from a family friend corroborating her claims of childhood abuse by her late father John Phillips
